Who is eligible for the Fellowship?

Fellow candidates must be past or current residents of North Carolina or South Carolina and/or a graduate of a college or university in North Carolina or South Carolina. Preference will be given to those who have demonstrated an interest in the nonprofit sector and have exhibited strong leadership skills.

When is the application deadline?

Applications for the 2010-2012 Fellow position were due December 15, 2009. Please check back this summer for information about 2011-2013 Fellowship.

What are the qualities of the ideal Fellow?

The ideal Duke Endowment Fellow is forward-thinking and innovative, yet respectful of different points of view. He or she is motivated, energetic and self directed. Fellows should have good oral and written communication skills, work effectively on teams, and interact well with people from diverse backgrounds.

What educational credentials should a Fellow have?

Fellows should have an undergraduate or graduate degree. The Duke Endowment has employed four fellows thus far. One had a juris doctorate, two held undergraduate degrees, and one had a master's in social work.

What is the time commitment?

Two years, full-time (minimum 35 hours a week). Fellows typically begin work and end their position in the summer. However, we will consider having a Fellow start as early as February.

How many Fellows work at the Endowment at a time?

One fellow is selected each year, and the fellowship lasts two years, so there are two Fellows at the Endowment every year. Fellows work together on recruiting and occasional special projects.

How is the Fellow compensated?

Fellows receive $43,000 the first year and $46,000 the second year, plus paid vacation time. They also have full benefits, including life, medical and dental insurance, wellness benefits and participation in a 401(k) plan. Fellows receive a stipend for moving expenses and travel reimbursement for site visits throughout the Carolinas.

What is a typical day like for a Fellow?

Each day is different. Fellows travel to nonprofits for site visits, attend program meetings, research philanthropic projects, attend regional and national conferences and recruit for the fellowship position. Some weeks, Fellows spend every day in the Endowment offices in Charlotte; other weeks, Fellows travel across North Carolina and South Carolina on site visits.

What is the capstone project?

Fellows complete a signature project, or capstone project, that they work on throughout their two years. The project can take a variety of forms, from facilitating an innovative collaboration in the nonprofit sector to lending time and expertise to a nonprofit supported by the Endowment. Capstone projects should be meaningful and interesting to the Fellow and within the scope of the Endowment's work.

What is the application process like?

Up to 15 applicants are interviewed by telephone on January 7, 8 and 11; six to eight semi-finalists come to Charlotte for a second round lunch interview on January 14 and 15. The top three finalists will be invited for a panel review on January 21 at The Duke Endowment offices in Charlotte.